I haven't been around very much over the past couple of months or so,
and was saddened to hear of Graham's passing. Although I've never met
anyone from this forum, some you do build up a picture of. I found many
of Graham's posts educational, and with a mix of humour he made a good
impression on me.
Croby- that was an excellent tribute- I'm sure he's up there somewhere giving you the thumbs up!
Graham- RIP. You may be gone, but not forgotten.
Frog2009-08-23 09:08:13

Congrats there, Gooner! I know how that feels... I got my training
start date for 3rd September, so looking forward to it. It's been a
hell of a log process, but we all go through it- so we all know how
everyone else feels!
I think my vetting and refs are done... hope so, anyway!

Quite right, M&MBM. There was no way I could get back to the
UK due to London airports being closed because of the snow. As it
turned out, my new AC Day 1 was some 6 weeks later, which wasn't too
bad.
TMelt- I think they do understand delays on compassionate grounds, so
as long as you explain, they'll understand and fit you in at the next
available slot. The whole process is very slow, but don't let that put
you off... Best of luck with everything...

MrsDarthFuzz- I'm afraid you're quite right. Our troops are not
important enough for this government. Not to mention their greed- the
cost will be 'too high' for a government that has got us into the
biggest debt in our history since the foundation of the Bank of England
way back in 1694.
Saying that, though, there will almost certainly be a change of
government at the next election- and that'll be the time to start
lobbying for one (or both) of these extra public hols. So,
there's at least a some degree of hope...

Saw on the news yesterday about MJ's last rehearsal which took place
just over a week ago. Or is MJ already back from the dead? Maybe his
song 'Thriller' was trying to tell us something- and his death is
probably all part of his long-term act? I can see it now- the
conspiracy theorists will be having a field day!
Michael Jackson- the Living Dead... or to be precise, The Undead. Hmmm,
I always wondered why he looked increasingly pale as he got older. Now
he's reached the stage where he's completely white... as white as a
ghost. Scary stuff, eh?
Looks like they'll stuff and lacquer him before putting him on display
after all. I can't wait to see the shock of the mourners as they file
past, when MJ suddenly opens his eyes, and says in his high-pitched
voice... "Oww"!

Don't worry- they want you to feel comfortable, so a smart open-neck
shirt would be fine. You can always wear a tie, and remove it later. As
for a blazer, no harm in taking it along- you can carry it over your
arm- I'm sure that's how most candidates will be on the day...

So, my guess was right- looks like he's going to be stuffed, lacquered, and put on display after all.
It all seems a bit creepy to me, as well as inappropriate. On the other
hand, I guess nothing from Wacko Jacko's family should surprise me. I
agree with Bikerider's verion of 'Lying in a state'. Maybe they should
play 'Thriller' continuously as the fans file past? I wonder how much
they will be charged for the privilege?

World War II? Isn't that a Michael Jackson song from the 1980s?
MrsDarth Fuzz- I'm ashamed to say that I missed it, too. There were far
more important things in the news regarding Michael Jackson's death-
and I just had to find out how long that guy on the latest Reality TV
was going to sleep before getting up to make himself a fruit salad for
breakfast.
Seriously, Armed Forces Day would be a fantastic idea, along with
St.George's Day, for 2 extra public holidays. Armed Forces Day should
be in July when the weather would be almost guaranteed. Somehow, I
doubt that our delightful, honest and selfless politicians will agree.

Our delightful, honest, decent, hard-working, charitable and selfless
politicians, who speak for us all and treat us with utmost respect at
all times, are responsible for creating the wonderful society that we
call 'progress'.
Who wants to know about unimportant things like the economy, the unrest
in Iran, North Korea's latest nuclear tests, Somali pirates, family
values, etc, etc- when we can hear about far more interesting and
educational subjects such as the ins and outs of Michael Jackson's
death, David Beckham's latest hairstyle, and who designed Susan Boyle's
new dress? Give me Reality TV any day!
Duh, living under a rock is such great fun- but my brain hurts. I'm
bored, so gonna go and watch a bit of paint dry whilst listening to
'Beat It' by Michael Jackson for the 238th time tody...

Cakelady123- Will do!
The Jedi- Actually, I'm not nervous- just taking it in my stride- but
still in limbo land... which is a bit of an odd feeling. Oh well,
what's meant to be is meant to be, and what ain't, ain't... What will
be, will be... Que sera sera!

Hi there, Cakelady123- Good point, I might just do that. Only I expect they'll just tell me that the process is still ongoing.
My boss at work hasn't been contacted me yet, and Recruitment haven't
got as far as the references I gave (my references would have told me
by now)...
Still, I'll chase Recruitment up at the end of the week...